FAO Statement on Agricultural Production Challenges in the Gaza Strip
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) made a written statement regarding the serious difficulties experienced in agricultural production in the Gaza Strip, which has been under intense attacks by occupying Israel since October 7, 2023. In the statement, “Intensifying conflict, access restrictions and damage to the agricultural sector have exacerbated acute food insecurity for Gazans.”The statement was given.
It was emphasized that the limited agricultural production in the Gaza Strip has further deepened the existing humanitarian crisis. FAO’s recent analysis of satellite images revealed serious damage to agricultural infrastructure throughout Gaza. In this context, it was stated that 57% of the total arable land and 33% of greenhouses were destroyed, and irrigation wells and solar panels were also damaged.
The statement also included information that 70% of farm animals had died due to serious feed shortages and water shortages as of October 2023. It was also stated that nearly 70% of the fishing fleet in the Gaza Strip had been destroyed.
The FAO statement reported that only small-scale agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing activities were being carried out in the Gaza Strip to the extent that security conditions permitted. The text also included the views of Gazan farmers Yusuf al-Masri and Mohamed al-Yaty, emphasizing that agriculture and animal husbandry had become impossible due to Israeli attacks.
- Food insecurity is increasing.
- Severe damage to agricultural infrastructure.
- 57% of arable land was destroyed.
- 33% of greenhouse areas were destroyed.
- 70% of livestock died.
- 70% of the fishing fleet was destroyed.
